Saturday, February 14, 2009

Kayak Paddle Blades


The blades of your kayak paddles are an important part when it comes to your ability to control your kayak. The paddle blade affects how much water you push with each stroke as well as how the paddle moves through the water. You generally want a good balance between the amount of force you get with each stroke and how easy it is for the paddle to move through the water.
There are two main types of paddle blades: symmetrical and asymmetrical. People who are going kayak touring, asymmetrical paddles are usually the norm. This is because the asymmetrical shape can help give more control over the kayak - making it easier for the paddle to slice through the water.
Another thing to look at is whether or not the blades are curved. If you're a beginner, then you'll probably want to start out with a flatter blade, because these blades are very easy to control. However, if you're an experienced kayaker, then you might want to look into getting a curved blade, because these blades will grip the water better and give you more power.
If you're looking for kayak paddles, make sure that you take a good look at the blades before you buy them. For beginners, simpler is usually better, but you will want to find a blade that has some element of design involved. If you have been kayaking before, however, then you may want to experiment with the different types of paddle blades until you find the type that work best for you.

http://www.paddlerscove.com/ carries a full line of paddles and kayaks.
http://www.paddlingstuff.com/ is an online outlet store carrying paddle gear at discounted prices

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